Got a new toy for my new toy! I've been wanting a grapple bucket since I first saw WKPoor's four or five years ago. I was going to build one but all my loaders were either too small or big to be working in the woods. But now that my Brother and I bought a skidsteer I just had to have one. While looking at pictures trying to figure out how I wanted to build one I found some reviews on TractorByNet. Of a WildKat grapple bucket. Even their econo bucket was very well built. And only $1050 and $188 for shipping. So I ordered one up and it came in last nite. And I got to play with it for a hour or so today. And it sure is handy!

It opens up to 36" and all the tines are 1/2" steel plate.

No problem lifting and moving logs around now.

Even grabbing it one end so I can hold it off the ground and cut it up.

Then I grabbed some 30" popple rounds and moved them to the splitting pile.

Then on to picking up brush and moving it to the burn pile.

This is the biggest log I moved. A good sized willow trunk. Clamped it down and lifted it no problem.

I still have to get to the JD dealer and see if I can get the foot pedals changed over to hand controls. Trying to run the bucket with foot controls is just awkward and jerky. While I am sure I would get better with them I just don't see me being able to get the smooth action I can with hand controls. But it can sure clean up a mess fast. And I am really looking forward to getting all the brush and logs cleaned up on the trails I made at the farm.

Billy

Take care of your equipment and it will take care of you. 1964 cub. Farmall 100 and 130.

"Those that say it can’t be done should not interrupt the ones who are doing it.”

Yeah.. you sure have some neat tools... errr toys I can see where a skid steer with a grapple would be real useful on any woodlot. Really useful and along with the rest of the accessories it makes for one of the most versatile pieces of equipment around I would think.

Keep having fun with the JD and more please sir ! cause you know we are addicted to em

Nice rig you have there Billy, I've placed tires on probably a hundred of them over the years but never had the pleasure to drive any of them.Please be careful climbing in and out while loaded and never pass under the load.

Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.Ben Franklin

I have to pop the bead on one tire and clean it as its leaking air all the way around it. I've seen what happens when a hose blows on the boom of a excavator. Definitely don't want to be under one!

Billy

Braking the bead down is easy Billy since they're usually a half size, let the air out and it'll probably unseal on it's own.Might need to place a ratchet strap around the outside to get it to seal back up.

Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.Ben Franklin